​There's been a surge in the number of daily Covid-19 cases among City employees, raising concerns about the workers' health and service delivery.

Several City buildings, including depots and offices, have had to temporarily shut down and be disinfected on a few occasions amid rising infections in as many weeks.

Pikitup, the City's waste management company, has had to close two of its depots, Roodepoort and Marlboro, from 1 July 2020 after coronavirus cases surged to 45.

The latest figures were recorded at the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), which had three confirmed Covid-19 cases at its Braampark offices in the first week of July. An employee in the office of the Ombudsman has also tested positive for coronavirus, alongside two other officials in the Department of Economic Development.

Three more employees within Group Human Capital management tested positive for Covid-19 this week. Two licensing staff members at the Roodepoort and Dube centres also tested positive for Covid-19 earlier in the week. Another employee in the Transport Finance unit tested positive for Covid-19 and has since been hospitalised.

In the wake of two positive Covid-19 cases two weeks ago, the Department of Housing has also been rocked by yet another infection, with the latest case being recorded at its Region D offices.

“I urge residents and employees of the City to pay special attention to hygiene measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. Many residents don't fully comply with the World Health Organisation's safety standards and this is disturbing when we take into consideration that we have yet to reach the peak in South Africa," says Mlungisi Mabaso, the MMC for Housing.

All infected employees are in self-isolation as required by law. Those who have been in contact with infected officials have been advised to monitor their symptoms and undergo testing.

The City has called for calm as measures are being implemented to prevent the virus from spreading.

“This is not the time to panic. Calm heads will see us through the pandemic. Please take care and be safe," says Lloyd Phillips, the MMC for Economic Development.

In the meantime, all employees, except for those in essential services, have been informed to work from home and have been equipped to do so until further notice.

Recent data from health authorities reveals that the number of Covid-19 cases is expected to increase in Gauteng, with Joburg as a hotspot.

“We encourage all staff to observe public health protocols by continuing to wash hands regularly, practice social distancing and wear the necessary personal protective equipment to curb the spread of the virus," Phillips emphasises.

Mabaso has urged residents and employees of the City not to take the easing of the lockdown lightly. “We should still be applying the same rules and regulations to curb the spread of the virus," he says.